The Blackhawks can begin to turn things around with today’s game against visiting Norte Dame.

“It’s kind of rough,” Smolin said. “But the kids have been great and they have been hard at work. Things just aren’t clicking at times and we’ve been making errors.”

Citrus Valley’s youth and inexperience were exposed in MVL losses to Rubidoux and Jurupa Hills.

“The lack of experience is showing now,” Smolin said. “It looks like we are not playing aggressive but we are playing tough. But our confidence is down and the lack of experience is hurting us. Some games we have played exceptionally but keeping it consistent has been a problem.”

Smolin expected a tough run in the MVL.

“It’s not like we are losing to teams we have never lost to before,” Smolin said. “I feel confident going into Norte Dame. It will build some momentum for the Rim game. Our goal is the same. It’s to win the next three games and get into the playoffs.”

The situation is simple for the Blackhawks. Another loss could be disastrous.

“The way it looks now, with two league losses, every game is a playoff game,” Smolin said. “If we lose this game, we are not going to the playoffs. We have got to keep winning to stay alive. We can’t afford any more losses at all.”

Citrus Valley concludes the regular season at Rim of the World and a home game against Banning.

“The kids know what is going on,” Smolin said. “They know what has happened in the game. We were close in every game. We haven’t been beaten up too bad.”

Advertisement

Citrus Valley has never lost to Norte Dame. The Blackhawks own three straight wins over the Titans (42-14 last year, 53-14 in 2011 and 42-7 in 2010).

“Norte Dame is doing good this year,” Smolin said. “They almost beat Rubidoux. It’s going to be a fight for us.”

The Titans opened the season by winning four of their first five games, defeating Workman, Calvary Murrieta, Xavier Prep and Aquinas.

“Our league is always tough and everyone plays their best against us,” Smolin said. “Everyone wants to beat up on us. Even the Rubidoux coaches said they had their best game of the season against us.”

The Titans like to throw the ball. Norte Dame’s offense has thrown for 1,924 yards and 16 touchdowns.

“They throw the ball ridiculous well,” Smolin said. “That’s been one of our weaknesses. We’ve made some changes and moved guys around.”